The government plans to make official a controversial new role for the Self-Defense Forces on Nov. 15, prior to a new batch of troops beginning U.N. peacekeeping operations in South Sudan, government sources said Monday.

The new mandate, which will allow troops to go to the rescue of U.N. staff and others under attack, is part of the expanded role for the SDF under new security legislation that took effect in March. The legislation, among other issues, has loosened restrictions on the use of weapons by SDF personnel engaged in U.N. peacekeeping operations.

It will be the first time, however, for the government to give SDF members the mandate to actually carry out any of the expanded roles allowed under the new legislation.